Francis Gage Mason, Former Westporter, Army Veteran, Died
Francis Gage Mason of Groton Long Point, CT. passed away peacefully at home with family by his side February 13th, 2023. Born in Paris in 1928, Frank grew up in Westport, CT. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1950; and was promptly drafted into the Army. He served at Fort Dix, NJ, where he taught radio communications and repair to troops deploying to Korea.
He married Phebe George of Mystic, CT in 1951. He and Phebe built a house in Weston, CT, where they raised their children, Catherine and Christopher. He started his own electronics company when the children were young and employed one other engineer. Over the years, Mason Engineering, Inc. grew, eventually employing as many as thirty people. Frank designed and manufactured sophisticated audio countermeasures equipment for the U.S. and its allies. After buying a shore cottage at Groton Long Point in 1969 he and the family spent summers at the beach, cruising his sloop near and far.
After his retirement and upon the death of Phebe in 1992, Frank continued his lifelong love of sailing the New England coast. He found a kindred spirit in Cynthia Buffinton, a longtime Westport resident. The two were happily married for twenty-six years, sailing and traveling the world together. Their primary residence was "Spindrift" at Groton Long Point, but also shared a nearby home at Mystic Run and spent every winter in Florida at Sanibel Island. Throughout the years, generations of family members and friends met for holidays, birthdays and soirees at Spindrift.
After Cynthia passed away in 2020, Frank remained at the Point and continued many of his interests, including his painting and photography. Under the umbrella of Spindrift Arts, he exhibited his work at the Mystic Art Museum, the Noank Historical Society, Noah's restaurant in Stonington Borough, The Big Arts Gallery in Sanibel, Florida and the Groton Long Point Arts and Crafts Show.
He is deeply missed by his family and many friends in the community. Anyone wishing to express tributes and condolences is encouraged to post them on Legacy.com
Published by Westport-News on Mar. 22, 2023.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow
Showers likely, mainly before 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southwest wind 13 to 16 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
No April Fools: Dog Days at Westport Beaches End March 31st
Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava reminds residents and visitors that as of April 1, no animals are allowed at Compo, Old Mill, or Burying Hill beaches, in or out of vehicles. This regulation is in effect until October 1. Parking emblems will be required on all vehicles entering town beaches beginning May 1.
For the safety and well-being of our athletic field users, Ms. Fava asks for assistance from the public to help us keep our fields in good playing condition by keeping animals off of our ball fields year round.
Ms. Fava also states, “Although we have regulations in place for animals at the beach from April 1 to September 30, dogs are welcome at Winslow Park year round.” Winslow park is located at Compo Road North and Post Road East, and has posted on-leash and off-leash areas.
For more detailed information regarding Parks policies, please visit www.westportrecreation.com
Longshore Course Slated to Open Next Week, “weather permitting”
Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava announced today that the anticipated opening date for the Longshore Golf Course is March 28, weather permitting.
Ms. Fava states, “We are looking forward to the 2023 golf season. Our Head Golf Professional Jon Janik and our Golf Course Superintendent Brad Brown have been working hard to make sure the pro shop, staff, and course are ready for this new season.”
For golf course information, advanced and same day tee time bookings go to www.longshoregolfcourse.com. Please note the Pro Shop phone number is (203) 221-0900 or (203) 226-9785.
If you are a Westport resident and would like to purchase a golf Handpass, or if your golf Handpass has expired, you can renew or purchase online at www.westportrecreation.com or in person, Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in Longshore Club Park, 260 Compo Road South.
Ms. Fava says, “We hope you have a great season on the course.”